The Formosa Beach is one of the most frequented and appreciated Beaches in the wonderful Santa Maria Island, Azores Archipelago.

Located on the pleasant south coast of the Island, the Beach presents nice crystalline waters and a thin and clear sand, contrasting with the other small dark sand beaches of the island. Its wonderful bay is classified as a Natural Reserve, such is its natural and ecological importance.
Also in the bay is located the São João Baptista Fort, also known as Beach Castle, once destined to defend the coast from the violent Pirate attack, yet nowadays in ruins.

The Formosa Beach is also quite famous among Surf practitioners, due to the water good conditions for the practise of this type of sports.
With a good parking lot, the beach also presents other facilities to better serve all visitors, such as toilets, showers, bar, lifeguard and accessibility for the disabled.